Trump’s fresh tariff warning to India over Russian oil imports – Firstpost

US President Donald Trump has renewed pressure on India over its continued purchase of Russian oil, warning that Washington could raise tariffs if New Delhi does not cooperate on the issue.

‘We can raise tariffs very quickly’

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi but underlined the leverage the US holds through trade.

“They wanted to make me happy, basically. PM Modi is a very good man. He’s a good guy. He knew I was not happy. It was important to make me happy. They do trade, and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly, and it’ll be very bad for them,” Trump said.

#WATCH | On India’s Russian oil imports, US President Donald J Trump says, “… They wanted to make me happy, basically… PM Modi’s a very good man. He’s a good guy. He knew I was not happy. It was important to make me happy. They do trade, and we can raise tariffs on them very… pic.twitter.com/ANNdO36CZI

— ANI (@ANI) January 5, 2026

Trump reiterated that tariffs could be imposed if India continues importing Russian oil, adding that New Delhi wanted to “make him happy”. He also claimed that India has substantially reduced its oil purchases from Russia.

Scrutiny in Washington, talks continue

The renewed warning comes amid growing scrutiny in Washington over India’s energy trade with Russia, even as New Delhi has defended its oil imports as essential for domestic energy security. The remarks follow a recent telephonic conversation between Trump and Modi, during which both leaders stressed the need to maintain momentum in bilateral trade ties despite ongoing tariff-related tensions.

In a separate message, Trump praised India and Prime Minister Modi, calling the country “an amazing nation” and an important strategic partner for the US in the Indo-Pacific region. “We have a great friend in PM Modi,” he said.

Trade negotiations and tariff impasse

The call coincided with a fresh round of negotiations between Indian and US officials aimed at resolving the long-standing trade impasse. Talks, which began earlier this year, faced disruptions after the US imposed tariffs on Indian imports of up to 50 percent.

India defends its energy policy

India has consistently maintained that its energy policy is guided by domestic needs. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has said India’s priority is to safeguard consumer interests in a volatile global energy market, adding that import decisions are based entirely on that objective.